NORTHWEST 18TH STREET RECONSTRUCTION – NORTHWEST ASH DRIVE TO NORTH ANKENY BOULEVARD

Project Overview

NW 18th Street is a heavily traveled arterial roadway that was slowly deteriorating and unable to handle the increase in traffic demand.  With increase in traffic volumes and new development expected along the corridor, McClure was hired by the City of Ankeny to perform an in-depth traffic study analyzing AM, PM, and PM Peak School traffic, review access management and intersection configurations, roundabout analysis, and multi-modal review.

The results of the traffic study indicated that the roadway was to be reconstructed to a 3-lane typical section with designated right turn lanes at key locations with the ability to easily upgrade to a future 5-lane typical section.  Additionally, the study confirmed that two new traffic signals were warranted to maintain traffic efficiency and safety along the corridor.  McClure developed conceptual designs for both immediate and future improvements.

McClure utilized the study to design the reconstruction of the over half-mile corridor and adjacent side roads.  In addition to the roadway reconstruction, McClure designed new storm sewer that utilized the existing storm sewer, after video review, to reduce costs, water main at conflict locations, sidewalk and a shared use path, two new traffic signals with pedestrian push buttons, new fiber optics, roadway lighting analysis and design, park sign foundation, right-of-way and easement acquisitions (including development of acquisition plats and property owner meetings), and detailed staging plans to maintain access to properties and minimizing roadway closures timelines to accommodate school traffic.  Additionally, McClure reviewed and worked together on nine utility relocation plans, multiple private development projects along the corridor, adjacent construction projects, Ankeny Public Schools, and Ankeny Parks and Recreation to ensure a smooth construction season.

Project Highlights:

• Traffic Impact Study that determined proposed and future intersection configurations, access improvements, and feasibility of roundabouts along the corridor.
• Conceptual layout that incorporated results from the Traffic Impact Study and integrated proposed and future geometrics and utility designs to minimize proposed and future improvement costs.
• Coordination with multiple entities in the development of the conceptual layout and developed preliminary staging layout, typical sections,
  and a project cost opinion.